Tributes paid to teacher killed in hit and run

Jo McKiddie, of Newmillerdam, suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a taxi outside a petrol station in Bangkok in the early hours of September 15.

The 29-year-old had only been in Thailand for around five weeks ahead of a two-year placement to teach reception class children at St Andrew’s International School.

Miss McKiddie’s family flew to Thailand after the tragedy and returned home with her on Sunday.

They said the former Wakefield Girls’ High School pupil had travelled extensively, also teaching in New Zealand and Australia.

Her sister Lisa McKiddie, 31, said: “She was a brilliant and creative teacher and she had a lot of empathy for the children she worked with. She wanted to be a teacher from a very young age.”

She added: “We have had some wonderful messages of support from people she worked with all over the world and friends she met.”

Her mother Julia McKiddie, 60, of Hill Top, said: “We are devastated by this sudden and tragic loss of our wonderful daughter Jo. We have been greatly touched by all the wonderful tributes that have poured in from all over the world.

“She was obviously loved by so many and held in very high regard by everyone she met.

“We are very grateful for all the help the St Andrew’s International School gave us while we were in Bangkok.”

Miss McKiddie met her Australian boyfriend Voytek Zietara, 28, when she was working in New Zealand two years ago.

He said: “She was a devoted teacher and a caring person. I loved her more than words can say.”

An inquest on Monday heard Miss McKiddie and a friend had just got out of a taxi and were crossing the Sathon Tai Road when they were struck by another taxi.

Miss McKiddie’s friend was also seriously injured.

The Express understands a 31-year-old man was later questioned by Thai police and charged in connection with the incident.

West Yorkshire assistant deputy coroner Mary Burke adjourned the hearing pending the outcome of further inquiries.